Church Security Institute Network

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We’re here to serve Him and His, and help ministries, churches, synagogues, private schools or businesses, with their safety, security, risk management, training, supervision and equipment needs. We are here to help, please let us know how we can assist you. Email: for more info, news, questions and events. Our Ministry Discount Code Can Save You Money On Training, Planning & Equipment Costs! Email Us For More Info: ChurchSecurityInstitute@gmail.com

  • U.S. Intel: Churches, Synagogues, Are Now A Priority Target To Protect

    Special Thanks to our friend Keith Graves, founder of Christian Warrior Training, for this information.Alert: Conditions RED for Faith Community.

    Churches, Synagogues, and community religious events as priority targets for Islamic State-inspired actors. The assessment concludes that IS propaganda exploiting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has produced a documented increase in calls for attacks against religious and political symbols, with radicalized individuals framing this violence as a righteous response to perceived grievances against Muslims. 

    Iran Threatens Attacks on Parks, Public Gatherings, and Tourist Destinations Worldwide — Including U.S. Soft Targets. With Easter Sunday coming up, events inside and outside can be targets and the use of decals in an attact is a new danger. This is a time to be on high alert and aware of anything unusual, out of the ordinary. Churches gathering on predictable schedules, especially with open doors and public-facing event calendars, fit the definition of a soft target, and in danger.

    Weaponized Commercial Drones — A New Threat Church Security Teams Need to Understand And Be Aware Of For Danger. A recreational drone, modified with an off-the-shelf drop mechanism and a small IED, can deliver a lethal payload into a crowded outdoor gathering with no warning and no shooter to identify. Open-air church events, outdoor baptisms, parking lots during peak service times, and church camps are environments where this threat applies directly. Use of a recreational drone, modified with an off-the-shelf drop mechanism and a small IED, can deliver a lethal payload into a crowded outdoor gathering with no warning and no shooter to identify.

    Shootings Outside Church During Funeral Service are a new danger that some churches may not be aware of. And a shooting of a Deacon in Portsmouth, who was observing activity in the parking lots, shows it’s already occurring here. This is why a Safety Team member should be observing suspicious activities outside. Many churches allow their facilities to be used by those who have no connection to church, and could add unknown danger. Check to see if the person the service is for, had gang or crime ties. If they do, you must post extra security. Rivals will know the gang is gathered at your church for the funeral and may come for retaliation.

    The bottom line, churches need a Safety Plan, Policies to direct what to do and not to do and a trained team. Ideally your team leader or others on your team will have law enforcement, military or security, and familiar with things to do, how and when to do then, what not to do. And Importantly, Be Prepared, and Ready, To Act or React. Remember you are a Ministry, not police. Have a good relationship with EMS, Fire and Ploice, invite them to tour your facility to be familiar with it in an emergency. It .ay be helpful to give them a layout of building. And if anything suspicious, call and let them know it’s not a problem but to head that way if things change and helo needed. Be Prepared, Ready.

  • Active Shooter Prevention Saturday May 30, 8A-12P

    In early 2026, communities in Virginia and several other states have reported events involving fights, property concerns, heightened law enforcement response, and, in at least one case, serious violence. As warmer weather approaches, this trend may continue to gain momentum, and businesses, churches, houses of worship, hospitals, open spaces, public events, and universities are not exempt from danger. All areas need to be prepared.

    It is increasingly important for parents, community members, businesses, churches, houses of worship, and public safety partners to remain aware of emerging activity, understand the risks, and encourage safe, proactive reporting through appropriate channels. This is why the InfraGard Alliance Chapter of Norfolk is planning this Prevention of Damage, Danger, and Disorder presentation.

    We are working to bring an Active Danger, Disorder, and Active Shooter Prevention Event on Saturday, May 30th, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Speakers will include Special Agent Paul Dandrade of the Norfolk FBI and the former Norfolk Police Chief, now Regional Security Advisor of the Tidewater Secure Community Network. They will provide guidance on how to handle and prevent problems before they occur. We want to help you be prepared and ready.

    For more information, and to be added to our attendee list, please email your contact information, including your name, cell number, city, how you heard about this event, and whether your church has a safety and security plan, policies, and a trained team. To Atten Please Email Your Info To: ChurchSecurityInstitute@gmail.com now, and we will get back to you with more details, including the event location.

    We need registration information to ensure we have enough seating for everyone attending.

    Bob Chauncey, CPP (Ret), Board Member InfraGard Alliance Norfolk Chapter Board

  • Terrorism In TidewaterVa

    Just A Quick Warning To Make Sure You Know A Terrorist Attack Happened Today At ODU in Norfolk, Va. An adult male in his mid 30’s, and former Natual Guard Member. In 2016 he was arrested, convicted, aiding ISIS Served several years for crimes committed.

    Today shot and killed an ROTC Instructor, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, and injured two others, before taken down by students. The suspect died after was stabbed in take down process.

    . He was a Muslim, and while likely a lone actor, it may be there may be some other dangerous individuals waiting, planning act.

    Churches, Houses Of Worship, should be alert for any suspicious behavior, visitors you do not know, especially possibly foreign persons. As a ministry we want to always be welcoming, but also cautious, possibly to be targets of assaults, attacks, cause other harm.

    We pray for peace, and know we must also Be Prepared, Ready To Act Or React As Need.

  • CURRENT VIOLENCE AGAINST CHURCHES

    The following info is provided by our friend Keith Graves, founder of a safety academy, ChristianWarriorTraining.com and shared with you to help you Be Prepared, Ready To Act, React, To Deter, Detect, Delay, Defend.

    While Keith offers Free Church Safety Security Training info, there is some info only for his optional paid Subscribers, who help to sustain the ministry. Due to the unusual threat situations now, Keith has lifted the paywall to share following info below to help you serve.

    Armed Subject Stopped Inside Washington Church: Churchgoers stopped a man who entered a church service with a handgun before he could open fire. Police later located a rifle and ammunition in his vehicle. Early recognition and intervention prevented a potential mass casualty attack.

    Funeral Service Shooting – Kansas City:
    Gunfire erupted outside a church during a funeral service, injuring multiple people and striking the building. Funerals connected to criminal activity often carry retaliation risks and should include security planning.

    Stabbing During Funeral – San Diego:
    A stabbing occurred during a funeral service inside a church. The suspect was detained at the scene. Funeral services should include conflict monitoring and quick separation capability.

    Stabbing Near Cincinnati Church:
    A stabbing occurred during a fight near church property. Incidents near church grounds can escalate quickly and should be observed and reported rather than pursued.

    Gun Assault Near St. Louis Church:
    A man allegedly threatened and assaulted another individual with a firearm outside a church. Parking lot confrontations should be monitored closely.

    Internal Church Conflict – California:
    An alleged assault involving a pastor and church elder escalated into protests and division within the congregation. Internal conflict can create crowd control and safety concerns

    While no specific church threats have been identified, escalation historically increases cyber activity, extremist messaging, and the most important one is that lone actor risk.

    Our biggest threat right now is a lone actor coming in to attack a church. It will be shocking if we don’t have a lone actor attacking a church in the next four weeks. We fully expect it., and don’t want to put a percentage on it. but just be ready. Now, while you’re out there patrolling, be alert.

    We want you to remember the chances of something happening at your church are pretty minimal, but they’re not zero. You don’t have this bunker mentality. We want you to be an enhanced greeter. Put a smile on your face, greet everybody as they come in, have a plan to defeat evil when it comes. While we’re concerned with safety and security, remember, we are a ministry, to serve Him.

  • ISIS-Aligned Publication Encourages Poison Attacks on Western Gatherings

    A huge concern for festivals you may have at your church. The information is out there for lone wolf actors. IMMEDIATELY, you must come up with a plan to deal with this issue, warns our fried Keith Graves, founder of ChristianWarriorTraining.com, a Free source of training info to help you serve Him.

    A recently released English-language ISIS-aligned magazine is promoting low-tech poison attacks against Western soft targets, including public gatherings such as festivals, markets, and other crowded venues, like church or community activities, functions. While no specific churches are named, faith-based gatherings fall within the broader “soft target” category described in the material.

    A recently released English-language ISIS-aligned magazine is promoting low-tech poison attacks against Western soft targets, including public gatherings such as festivals, markets, and other crowded venues. Source: Invade (a new English publication from ISIS)

  • Faith Based Threat Intelligence Briefing-

    The current situation between our United States and the regime in Iran is causing real concern in the faith community’s churches and houses of worship. Our country, and government, is engaged in an active military confrontation, following the strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, other senior milirary and regime officiaks and figures at this time.

    After the recent disruption and disturbance at a church in Minneapolis Minnesota, it became clear to some that those who don’t share our faith could become a real danger. With the new activities and attacks by Iran, it seems clear now that churches need to quickly Be Prepared, IF they are not already Ready. With A Plan, Policies, And Training, to Protect Their Flocks Of Lambs And Sheep.

    .Wartime martyrdom rhetoric inside domestic religious paces can quickly increase,by la one actor, or team of dangerous sleeper cells. They could have come in over the Biden open border years. Mobilization risks, particularly in dense religious regions of America, can start without warning. And some training camps have been going on for years, usually remote areas for a range with a lot of arms, ammo.

    Threat Level: HIGH (Orange) While there has not been any explicit call to violence against churches houses of worship, the shooting this weekend in Austin Texas by a 53 year old naturalized citizen, wearing a sweat shirt with Property Of Allah and a t-shirt under it with a flag of Iran, should be a Warning, of what could be coming against a faith community.

    History has shown that durimg periods of international conflict correlated with increased lone actor activity, a majority of people will not act. But a small number will. Given current conditions, one actor, with violence on his mind during this war period, is highly probable. This is why you need to be able to act, react, with a Plan, Policies, and the equipment and trainjng to protect thise you have been called to serve for His flock.

    We thank our brother in Christ, Keith Graves, of Christian Warrior Training Academy program, for sharing this info and guidance.

  • Be Prepared, Train, Be Ready Before A Need

    In 1st Samuel 17:36, the Bible shares that David knew his job, to protect the lambs and sheep. And he had trained to do it, before he had a need to protect them. Sheepdog have the same type duty now, to protect His Flock of lambs and sheep He has provided them.

    Church Safety Security Teams should be like David, called to serve, and Trained on how to provide for and protect his sheep. The pastor is called to be His shepherd, to protect His flock. The Safety Team are the sheepdog, called to help the shepherd provide for. and to protect His flock. We help with training.

    FBSN is an organization that helps to train the sheepdog in hiw to best do their jobs. There are several very good sources of training, to help you to be better able to do the job God ĥas called you to do, for Him.

    If you email us for info on what we do here and have coming up, like a Tactical First Aid class in Va Beach soon, or some of the regional or national training, like FBSN and others have coming soon, we’ll be happy to share the information, to help you to serve. Email: ChurchSecurityInstitute@gmail.com.

    Thanks to Carl Chinn, an old friend and the founder of the Faith Based Security Network for allowing us to share this info with you..

  • Physical Readiness for Church Security Teams

    Church security is not a ceremonial role. On a difficult day, someone may need to move quickly, assist another person, or respond to a developing situation before law enforcement arrives.

    This is not about age. It is about readiness. Faithful service matters. Experience matters. But physical limitations must be honestly evaluated so the team remains safe and effective.

    What the Role May Require

    Church security regularly involves:

    • Standing for extended periods
    • Walking hallways and exterior property
    • Climbing stairs
    • Assisting someone who has fallen or become ill
    • Moving with purpose during an emergency
    • Maintaining awareness under stress

    These are not extreme expectations. They are routine realities.

    The Key Question

    Every team member should be able to ask:

    • Can I perform these tasks without becoming the emergency?
    • Can I assist someone safely if needed?
    • Can I move quickly for short distances if circumstances require it?

    This is not a military standard.
    It is not a law enforcement fitness test.
    It is a practical readiness standard for ministry safety.

    Service Is Honored — Readiness Is Required

    Many of our safety team members helped build these ministries. Their commitment and years of service are deeply valued.

    At the same time, roles may need to adjust over time. Some may serve best at access control, communications, medical support, monitoring cameras, or administrative coordination rather than patrol or rapid response.

    Adjusting assignments is not a demotion. It is stewardship.

    A team member serving in an active security role should reasonably be able to:

    ☐ Stand for 30–60 minutes
    ☐ Walk the property without significant difficulty
    ☐ Climb stairs safely
    ☐ Assist an adult who has fallen
    ☐ Move quickly for short distances

    If any of these cannot be performed safely, leadership should help identify a role better suited to the individual’s current abilities.

    Church security is about protecting people well. Honest conversations about readiness strengthen the team, protect the congregation, and honor both service and safety.

    Special thanks to Keith Graves, founder of Christian Warrior Training Academy, for his leadership and instruction, that continues to strengthen church safety ministries. ChristianWarriorTraining.com

  • Church Safety Security

    Crowd Disruptions, Disorder, and Safety Response

    Church leadership—specifically the pastor and governing body—must define how disruptions will be handled and clearly communicate those expectations to the Safety Ministry Team. The team operates under the authority, direction, and policies established by church leadership and does not act independently of that guidance.

    Authority and Decision-Making

    All responses to disruptions must align with:

    • The authority of the pastor and church leadership
    • Established church policies and procedures
    • Applicable local and state laws

    Safety Team members must understand what actions they are authorized to take, when leadership direction is required, and under what circumstances outside assistance (such as law enforcement or emergency services) may be requested.

    Role of Safety Ministry Team

    The Safety Ministry Team exists to protect people, not to serve as law enforcement. The primary mission is to maintain a safe and secure environment that allows worship to continue whenever possible.

    Core responsibilities include:

    • Early identification of potential disruptions
    • Calm, respectful engagement
    • De-escalation of tense situations
    • Protection of congregants, staff, and visitors

    Whenever feasible, team members should seek peaceful solutions, such as moving a disruptive individual or conversation outside of the worship space to reduce tension and prevent escalation.

    De-escalation and Safety Focus

    De-escalation is a critical skill and priority. Team members should:

    • Remain calm, respectful, and non-confrontational
    • Avoid actions that could escalate emotions or draw unnecessary attention
    • Work to resolve issues discreetly and safely

    The goal is always to preserve safety, dignity, and the sanctity of worship while minimizing disruption.

  • Holiday Safety Security Tips. Be Safer, Not Sorry

    We urge all Churches, Houses Of Worship and Synagogues to take extra precautions during this Holiday New YearSeason.

    1. Ensure awareness and coordination with law enforcemen, the Faith Community, and security professionals. Who may be serviing your facility.
    2. Extend the protections or security of your event’s/facility’s perimeter as far as possible. Many Assaults, Attacks, Breakins, Crimes, start in parking or other perimeter areas.
    3. For Specoal Events open to the public, you may want to require registration and verification of those attending. You may want to rovide details of location, time, and other information only upon confirmed registration of those coming.
    4. You should always have access control (locks and entrance procedures) if possible, and monitored entry doors, to only allow known, confirmed registrants/attendees coming, into the facility/event. All other doors locked.
    5. You should always remain vigilant to activities,anything out of the ordinary, and report any/all suspicious activity.
    6. Deter, Detect Any Unusual Activity, to Prevent a problem vs have to Defent aan incident or problem that comes up. If there is a possible problem in the parking, perimeter areas, call for backup up by your team and secure entry areas.
    7. If it looks like a potential problem, contact law enforcement and ket them know not an emergency yet, but ask fot a back up sent in case a later need. If things check out ir clear up, call and cancel the back up. Be safe, not sorry.

    Wishing you and yours a Hsppy And Safe, Successful, New Year For 2026. God Bless.